A: Kim Manick, assistant store manager of David’s Bridal in Edmonton, says this year’s graduation gowns have taken their cue from popular runway fashions.

Junior high school girls all the way up to university students want to mimic what they see in magazines, opting for everything from pastel colours and brilliant florals to flirty embellishments and vintage lace.

“They’re also looking for something that’s rewearable and a little more basic,” Manick says. “Something they can bling up with a sash or shoes so they can rewear it again.”

Feminine and flirty pastel colours are game this year, with mint green being the most popular. Florals are also big, going bright and bold on gowns that can be dressed up with glittery headpieces and flower-embellished headbands to give them more of a vintage feel.

Lace follows the vintage trend as well with dresses being made completely out of the fabric, offering a peek-a-boo of colour from an underneath.

And, of course, sparkly embellishments and bodice details are still fun to flaunt on a day where you can get glammed up to your heart’s content.

For junior high girls, Manick suggests choosing a gown that’s a little more modest and price-conscious, such as a dress from their junior bridesmaid section. Neons or short embellished gowns are perfect for these young teens who want to be “a princess for a day.”

In contrast, she recommends something with an open back or a high-low cut for high school students who want to wear something rich and grown-up.

“This is their time to have fun with their wardrobe,” Manick says. “They’re a little more daring and they want a little more embellishment, more sophisticated looks that are a bit more feminine.”

University grads are looking for something a bit more refined, opting for pastel colours and styles they can rewear to a wedding or Christmas function.

Not every grad dress can be reworn, Manick says, but if you go with a simpler dress you’ll have many more possibilities. They can be glammed up with bags and shoes to become both multi-functional and individual.

“(Girls should) accessorize, accessorize, accessorize to make (their dress) their own. There are only so many options with grad gowns, so if you accessorize, it becomes your style.”

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